“There’s going to be other production companies coming in so we have to act pretty quickly,” Smith said when asked if their actions might be considered insensitive.

Their film will be focused on the two British rescue divers who found the group 2.5 miles from the cave mouth after 10 days.

Chu responded on Twitter saying “no way.”

“I refuse to let Hollywood #whitewashout the Thai Cave rescue story!” Chu wrote. “No way. Not on our watch. That won’t happen or we’ll give them hell. There’s a beautiful story abt human beings saving other human beings. So anyone thinking abt the story better approach it right & respectfully.”

Ivanhoe Pictures President John Penotti announced that they are in negotiations with Thailand’s Navy and government to develop the film. Chu is set to direct.

The film will be based on the 12 young Thai soccer players and their 25-year-old coach who were trapped in a cave for over two weeks. Thai Navy Seals who were backed with 50 foreign divers rescued everyone.

The rescued boys and their coach are recovering in hospital.

I refuse to let Hollywood #whitewashout the Thai Cave rescue story! No way. Not on our watch. That won’t happen or we’ll give them hell. There’s a beautiful story abt human beings saving other human beings. So anyone thinking abt the story better approach it right & respectfully.

Born in Taiwan, Joan moved to the UK at an early age. Struggling to understand her identity and her place in society, Joan keeps a low personal profile but is keen to share her thoughts with the wider world.